23 Tropical Chicken Recipes We Love

Dreaming of sunny days and palm trees? These recipes will take you there. Find ideas for Hawaiian chicken, pineapple stir-fry and more.

1/23

Chicken with Pineapple

I’m always on the lookout for low-fat recipes that are scrumptious, too, like this pineapple chicken recipe. Quick-cooking chicken breasts get wonderful, sweet flavor from pineapple, honey and teriyaki sauce. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota

2/23

Tangy Tropical Chicken

Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: In this colorful dish, exotic fruits such as mango and pineapple beautifully complement the chicken and lend a pleasant hint of sweetness that’s balanced by a bit of soy sauce. —Christina Aho, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 299 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
3/23

Coconut Chicken and Shrimp

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 659 calories, 31g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
4/23

Caribbean Chicken

Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:6
From the Recipe Creator: You'd be hard-pressed to find a marinade this flavorful at any store! Add or subtract the jalapenos to suit your crew's taste, and you'll be grilling a new family favorite before you know it. — Rusty Collins, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 186 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
5/23

Tropical Island Chicken

Total Time:55 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The marinade makes a savory statement in this all-time-favorite chicken recipe that I served at our son's pirate-themed birthday party. It smelled so good on the grill that guests could hardly wait to try a piece! —Sharon Hanson, Franklin, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 296 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
6/23

Pineapple Chicken Casserole

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I’m always looking for one-dish dinners that save time and cleanup. I love to cook, but with teaching school, playing handbells at church, and juggling my husband’s and teenage twins’ schedules, I have little time in the kitchen. This recipe saves the day! —Susan Warren, North Manchester, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 335 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 1010mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
7/23

Pineapple Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Total Time:15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These sandwiches are always welcome at lunchtime around our house. Sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans are nice additions to ordinary chicken salad. —Carol Alexander, Midland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 433 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
8/23

Tropical BBQ Chicken

Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here is my favorite slow-cooker recipe. The delicious, slightly spicy sauce will win you over, too! —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 301 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
9/23

Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Total Time:20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A trip to Hawaii is easy with this juicy grilled pineapple chicken. Simply give it a quick marinade, fire up the grill and let it sizzle. We love this low-carb recipe! —Charlotte Rogers, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 187 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
10/23

Roasted Lime Chicken

Total Time:2 hours 20 min
Servings:10
From the Recipe Creator: The subtle citrus flavor infused throughout this moist and baked lime chicken makes the most-requested dish for family dinners. It's the ideal way to use fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley. —Kathy Lewis-Martinez, Spring Valley, California
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked chicken: 341 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
11/23

Pineapple Chicken Thighs

Total Time:50 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator:

The sweetness of pineapple is delicious in the golden brown sauce that covers the chicken.—LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota

Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh: 298 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 795mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.

12/23

Chicken Cakes with Avocado Mango Sauce

Total Time:25 min
Servings:4 dozen (2 cups sauce)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a fabulous appetizer for your next party. Or serve these chicken cakes for dinner with a side of hot rice and your favorite vegetable. —Rachael Nodes, La Barge, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken cake with 2 teaspoons sauce: 51 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
13/23

Grilled Kiwi-Chicken Kabobs with Honey-Chipotle Glaze

Total Time:30 min
Servings:8 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator: When guests bite into these juicy grilled kabobs, their eyes always widen with satisfaction. Our four kids are crazy about the spicy-sweet sauce. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts: 2 kabobs: 284 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
14/23

Tropical Layered Chicken Salad

Total Time:50 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a fresh and delicious recipe that is a big hit whenever I take it to a potluck—it's always the first to go! —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 cups: 483 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
15/23

Caribbean Chicken Stir-Fry

Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Fruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It's a promising go-to option when time's tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup stir-fry with 1 cup rice: 419 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
16/23

Grilled Chicken, Mango & Blue Cheese Tortillas

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:16 appetizers
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a fantastic outdoor appetizer to kick-start your summer get-togethers. We double or triple the ingredients when we host parties. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 wedge: 85 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
17/23

Cilantro-Lime Chicken

Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: As a working mom and home cook, I strive to have fabulous flavor-packed dinners that make my family smile. Nothing is more awesome than a slow-cooker recipe that makes it seem as though you've been cooking in the kitchen all day! —Mari Smith, Ashburn, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh: 253 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
18/23

Caribbean Curried Chicken

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours 20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh with 6 tablespoons sauce: 249 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
19/23

Slow-Cooker Caribbean Moo Shu Chicken

Contest Winner
Total Time:3 hours 10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A tropical twist on a takeout favorite, this slow-cooker creation is simple, satisfying and destined to become a new family favorite! —Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 552 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1122mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein.
20/23

Mango Salsa Chicken with Veggie Hash

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This hash has the fresh flavors of spring. Using precooked grilled chicken strips makes the meal come together quickly. And the veggies make the dish so pretty! —Lori Mclain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 237 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1025mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
21/23

Caribbean Chicken

Contest Winner
Total Time:20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a very simple recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients. Serve with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Use cubes of pork or even shrimp instead of the chicken. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup chicken mixture: 242 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
22/23

Jamaican Chicken with Couscous

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: “Fantabulous” is a word I reserve for fantastic dishes like this jerk-seasoned chicken. It’s a mouth full of yum. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts: 3 ounces cooked chicken with 2/3 cup couscous mixture: 374 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
23/23

Pressure-Cooker Pineapple Chicken

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We love Hawaiian-style chicken in a slow cooker, but sometimes we need something that comes together fast! We tweaked our favorite recipe and came up with this Instant Pot pineapple chicken for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Add a side salad for a complete meal. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 313 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.